PTSD Coach Online offers help for vets

With the release of PTSD Coach Online, veterans dealing with symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder can now go to their desktop or laptop computers anytime for help.

PTSD Coach Online extends the reach of the PTSD Coach mobile app’s symptom management tools to those who do not have access to smartphones.

“The usefulness of the PTSD Coach mobile app is underscored by the fact that it already has been downloaded well over 100,000 times,” said Dr. Matthew J. Friedman, executive director of the National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “With the release of PTSD Coach Online, we are ensuring that everyone who can access the Internet will have its valuable tools available to them and that no one will get left behind.”

PTSD Coach Online is a suite of 17 tools designed to help people cope with sleep problems, trauma reminders, anxiety and other symptoms that can develop after trauma. It is the first publicly-available online self-help product developed by the VA’s National Center for PTSD. PTSD Coach Online can be accessed at www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/PTSDCoachOnline/default.htm

A feature of PTSD Coach Online is the inclusion of videos from therapists — called “coaches” — who provide introductions for each tool of PTSD Coach Online. They also offer video help throughout each tool.

PTSD Coach Online can help with symptom management, problem solving and skill building. It is not, however, a substitute for professional mental health treatment and care. PTSD Coach Online is primarily designed to enhance services for individuals who are already receiving mental health care.